cortical

adjective

cor·​ti·​cal ˈkȯr-ti-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of cortex

2

: involving or resulting from the action or condition of the cerebral cortex

cortically

ˈkȯr-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cortical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the trial, the BCI and its components – cortical module, internal transceiver and extension lead – will be surgically implanted under the skin, with the electrodes extending just below the brain’s surface in order to collect signals from individual neurons in the motor cortex. —New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2025

The results found that Emma had optic nerve atrophy and likely cortical vision impairment. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

The dorsal column nuclei process and categorize touch information before sending it to cortical areas that discriminate among different types of touch. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025

This laser system monitors blood flow in the outer layer of the brain, known as the cortical surface. —Aaron Buss, The Conversation, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cortical

• vortical
• adrenocortical
• thalamocortical
• neocortical
• subcortical

Medical Definition

cortical

adjective

cor·​ti·​cal ˈkȯrt-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of cortex

cortical tissue

2

: involving or resulting from the action or condition of the cerebral cortex

cortical blindness

cortically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb